Download a PDF of the bulletin.
Message from the President and First Vice-President/Treasurer
Ontario’s healthcare system depends heavily on access to a safe, reliable blood supply. During this pandemic, our health care system has been under a great strain. OPSEU/SEFPO members working at CBS all stepped up to be there for the public, day in and day out; safely collecting, testing and transporting blood to ensure that the supply is steady. You deserve a strong collective agreement that reflects the professionalism, skill, and passion that you put into your work to keep Ontarians safe.
Thank you for your support and engagement throughout this round of bargaining. OPSEU/SEFPO will continue to stand strong against this Employer, and we will make sure that the bargaining team has every resource they need to succeed as they prepare to move to Conciliation.
In solidarity,
Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU/SEFPO President
Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida, OPSEU/SEFPO First Vice-President/Treasurer
Message from the Bargaining Team Chair
Thank you to all of our members for your support during this round of bargaining. Receiving messages of solidarity from you and seeing your Respect lanyard pictures has kept us going every step of the way in bargaining. The bargaining team is working hard on behalf of all members working in CBS, because you deserve respect for the skill and dedication you bring to your jobs every day.
We will keep fighting hard on your behalf to get a strong collective agreement for all members. Bargaining is never without its challenges, but we promise to do everything we can to protect and strengthen your workplace rights.
In solidarity,
Geoff Cain, Bargaining Team Chair
Bargaining Update
We would like to welcome our newest member to the bargaining team, Brent MacPherson (Local 477). Brent has joined the team, replacing Sean Allen to represent the Ottawa and Kingston area. Welcome, Brent!
To date we have had 10 days of bargaining where we tabled all of our members’ demands. Talks, unfortunately, have been quite difficult with our employer, but we continue to push for member priorities including better wages, sick time improvements, and full time positions.
Since we’re far apart from the employer on several of the key monetary items, we have now applied for Conciliation. A Conciliation Officer has been appointed to serve as a neutral third party to assist both sides in reaching an agreement.
We have also scheduled one more bargaining date on November 15. Should a deal not be reached, we will proceed to Conciliation on November 16 and 23.
A further update will be shared after our November dates.
Keep Showing your Support!
Monthly Solidarity Week
Starting in November, the last week of every month will be Solidarity Week!
During Solidarity Week, members from all CBS locals are encouraged to come together and show their support for the bargaining team and keep up the momentum. Wear your lanyards and anything with OPSEU/SEFPO blue, take pictures and email them to Sarah Dupuis, Sector 19 Vice-Chair at sarahdupuis619@yahoo.ca! Pictures will be posted on our sector’s Facebook page.
We need to continue to tell this employer that we deserve respect in the workplace. We encourage you to frequently wear your solidarity lanyards and share pictures to our social media page. Help to keep up the pressure and be sure to engage those who are still not familiar with our campaign.
We need…
Respect for the valuable work our members do.
Respect for the right to a safe and healthy workplace.
Respect for stable/livable employment status.
Respect for livable work hours.
We encourage you to reach out to us with any questions or concerns.
Thank you for your unstoppable work throughout these incredibly challenging times.
In Solidarity,
Your Bargaining Team:
Geoff Cain (Local 160): Bargaining Team Chair
geoffopseu@gmail.com
Jennifer Johnson (Local 5103): Bargaining Team Vice-Chair
gingerjj85@live.com
Alberto Alvaro (Local 200)
albertoalvaro@live.ca
Gloria Blanchard (Local 210)
globright50@gmail.com
Brent MacPherson (Local 477)
bgmacpherson@hotmail.com